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Michigan AG sues Mackinac Island ferry owner, alleging illegal monopoly
WPBN • • business
Key Points:
- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed a lawsuit against the Hoffmann Family of Companies, accusing it of illegally eliminating competition in Mackinac Island's ferry services and raising ticket and parking prices.
- The lawsuit claims Hoffmann's acquisitions of Shepler's Ferry in 2022 and Mackinac Island Ferry Company in 2024 gave it control over all commercial passenger ferry services between the mainland and Mackinac Island.
- The state alleges these acquisitions allowed Hoffmann to increase ferry fares and parking rates by eliminating competition and is seeking court orders to restore competition, including potentially forcing Hoffmann to sell some ferry assets.
- Financial relief for customers who were allegedly overcharged is also being sought by the state.
- The lawsuit follows ongoing disputes between Hoffmann and Mackinac Island officials, and the allegations have yet to be proven in court.
